Grapple millonzi grapple?

[kenmachtley]

I came up to post a review on the Millonzi LD-48 grapple that I've now had for a few months. Bummer to see they are gone. In the hopes that the LD-48 design is made available again, here's my feedback:

Pros:
1) Feels about the same as my HD loader bucket - wouldn't want a heavier grapple on my JD 3520. And IMHO built solid enough for the size of tractor it is on.
2) Great for moving brush and logs.
3) Price was unbeatable!

Cons:
1) JD loader mount was poorly executed and grapple needed grinding and drilling to get it mounted. I appeared that either their jig was wrong or their welder wasn't careful. 3 hours of work plus getting tools to the island where my tractor is = PITA.
2) Hoses supplied were way too large for my tractor. Instead of converting using fittings (four per hose from JD dealer), I had new hoses made. Add $75.
3) Poor communications with Millonzi. Was to have shipped in two weeks, took five weeks plus several calls. Sent e-mail feedback after I had the grapple working and John e-mailed back apologizing and wanting to discuss in person. Arranged time to talk twice via e-mail and he never called.

And lastly, probably not a "con" as much as a misunderstanding. I bought this to aid in removing brush (mainly blackberries and ocean spray). However, it is rather poor at that. I've found that a tooth bar and bucket are great at ripping into the brush and then the grapple is great at picking it up and moving it to a burn pile. For my purposes, a 4-in-1 might have been a better choice, though the grapple sure looks cool.

I went with the Millonzi based on reviews on this site plus the $1k price tag, a third of what the JD dealer quoted. Doing it over again, I'd probaby buy from my local dealer next time. It would be great to see the LD-48 design available from the dealer - even at $500-1000 more.

I appreciate all of the great posts that I've read over the past six months! And IslandTractor, your posts on this grapple were perhaps the most influential - thx for taking the time to share.

 

[IslandTractor]

And lastly, probably not a "con" as much as a misunderstanding. I bought this to aid in removing brush (mainly blackberries and ocean spray). However, it is rather poor at that. I've found that a tooth bar and bucket are great at ripping into the brush and then the grapple is great at picking it up and moving it to a burn pile. For my purposes, a 4-in-1 might have been a better choice, though the grapple sure looks cool. .

When I go after light cane type plants like a blackberry, I don't try to grapple the exposed plant but rather dig the root grapple lower tines under the bush and pop it out whole. I agree that if you are trying to get the upper part of the plant then a 4n1 might be better but I found that with a 4n1 I was just cutting the tops off too often when I tried to clamp. Using the grapple, I just open the jaw, dig the lower tines into the ground about six inches, put the tractor in low HST and just drive forward. Pops the plants out and crushes them into a mangle that I can then easily clamp. I usually stop moving forward after about six feet if I am in a really thick area of blackberry because otherwise the thorns from adjacent plants start getting pulled towards the tractor operator station. I then clamp and drag the mess out.

I find that using the root grapple technique (as compared to straight grappling from above), is a great way to deal with both thorny and not so thorny small bushes.

Sometimes I find the bushes come up with a lot of soil attached to the roots but it comes off pretty well with shaking so long as the soil isn't too wet. If it is wet then I just put the whole mess into a pile and come back a couple of weeks later and move the pile so the dirt falls out.